Healthcare for Newcomers in Canada
Newcomers get medically necessary doctor and hospital care at no direct cost through their province's health plan, once they apply for a health card. Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba (for permanent residents) and Nova Scotia have no waiting period for people arriving from outside Canada. In British Columbia, Quebec and Saskatchewan, coverage can start up to about three months later.
How does healthcare work for newcomers?
Healthcare in Canada is administered by each province and territory, not the federal government. Each province maintains its own health insurance plan that covers residents.
As a permanent resident, protected person (refugee), or certain temporary resident, you are generally eligible to enroll in your province's health plan. You must register with your province's health authority and receive a health card.
The rule
To get the full federal cash contribution, a provincial plan must meet five criteria: public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability and accessibility.
When does your coverage start?
Some provinces impose a waiting period before newcomers from outside Canada can access provincial health coverage.
The exact end date depends on the province and on the day you arrive or register.
| Province | Plan | Waiting period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) | No waiting period | Ontario states there is no longer a waiting period for OHIP: if you are eligible, coverage is immediate, and you can apply as soon as you arrive in Ontario. |
| British Columbia | MSP (Medical Services Plan) | Up to ~3 months | MSP wait period is the rest of the month you become a BC resident plus two more months. Some categories (e.g. Canadian Armed Forces families) are exempt. |
| Alberta | AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan) | No waiting period from outside Canada | If you move to Alberta from outside Canada, you might be eligible for AHCIP coverage from the date you establish residency. You must apply within 3 months of establishing residency. The first-day-of-the-third-month rule is for people moving from within Canada. |
| Quebec | RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec) | Up to 3 months | RAMQ coverage usually begins after a maximum of 3 months, counted from the date you register if you are in Québec and have all the required documents. There is no wait for children under 18, people from a country with a social security agreement with Québec, refugees and protected persons, among others. During the wait, care for victims of conjugal or domestic violence or sexual assault, care related to pregnancy, childbirth or termination of pregnancy, and care for infectious diseases that affect public health are free. |
| New Brunswick | Medicare | Confirm with the province | New Brunswick sets its own start date for newcomers: confirm it with Medicare. |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Health Insurance Program | No waiting period from outside Canada | Health Card coverage usually starts on the date you become a resident of Nova Scotia if you move from outside Canada. A later start date applies to moves from within Canada. |
| Saskatchewan | eHealth Saskatchewan (health card) | Up to the first day of the third month | If you move to Saskatchewan from outside Canada, you may qualify for coverage on or before the first day of the third month after you arrive in Canada (eHealth Saskatchewan). |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care (health card) | No waiting period for permanent residents from outside Canada | Canadian citizens and permanent residents may apply for coverage from the date of arrival in Manitoba. The third-month rule is for people moving from within Canada. |
Prince Edward Island (PEI Health Card, Health PEI) sets its own start date for newcomers: confirm it with Health PEI. Newfoundland and Labrador (MCP) sets its own start date for newcomers: confirm it with MCP. There are no fees or charges for registering with MCP.
The territories set their own start dates: confirm with the plan.
What does provincial health insurance cover?
Under the Canada Health Act, provincial plans cover medically necessary hospital and physician services.
This generally includes:
- Doctor (GP and specialist) visits
- Hospital stays (standard ward)
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, bloodwork) ordered by a doctor
- Surgery performed in hospital
- Maternity care
- Medication your doctor provides while you are in hospital
It generally does not cover:
- Most medication from a pharmacy (outside hospital)
- Most dental services
- A semi-private or private room (the Canada Health Act insures standard ward accommodation)
Coverage of other services, such as ambulance, eye care and physiotherapy, differs by province: check your plan. Alberta, for example, says Albertans often need supplementary health insurance for prescription drugs, dental care and vision care.
Some provinces offer extended benefits (e.g., Ontario's OHIP+ covers the cost of more than 5,900 medications for anyone 24 or younger who is not covered by a private plan).
What covers refugees before provincial coverage starts?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health coverage to eligible refugees and refugee claimants who are not yet eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance.
It is administered federally by IRCC and covers:
- Government-assisted refugees (GARs), from arrival until provincial coverage begins
- Refugee claimants (asylum seekers), while claim is being processed
- Resettled refugees (privately sponsored), temporary coverage while waiting for provincial plan
- Victims of human trafficking and certain other protected persons
As currently structured, the IFHP gives eligible beneficiaries basic coverage (such as doctor visits and hospital care, with no co-payment), supplemental benefits (such as limited dental and vision care, for which the program typically covers a share of the cost and you pay the rest), and prescription drug coverage (with a small per-prescription co-payment).
Do you need private insurance during the wait?
If you are in a province with a waiting period, or if you have gaps in coverage, IRCC says to make sure you have private health insurance to cover your health care needs during the waiting period.
Several private insurers in Canada sell plans for newcomers, and their terms and exclusions differ.
How do you apply for your provincial health card?
Apply as soon as you arrive: in Quebec the wait starts on the day you register, and Alberta asks you to apply within 3 months.
Each province sets its own document list. Common items include:
- Proof of identity (passport, PR card, or other government-issued photo ID)
- Proof of Canadian immigration status (PR card, confirmation of PR, study/work permit, refugee protection document)
- Proof of provincial residency (lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement with provincial address)
- Completed application form
Each province sets how to apply. Ontario asks for each applicant's own IRCC immigration document. Alberta lists a Visitor Record, work permit, study permit, PR card or document, or a CBSA Travel History Report. Manitoba asks for a passport, IRCC documents and proof of residence.
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What do people ask?
How does healthcare for newcomers in Canada work?
Each province and territory runs its own public health insurance plan, such as OHIP in Ontario or MSP in British Columbia. Permanent residents, protected persons and some temporary residents can enrol. Coverage does not start on its own: you apply for a health card. The Canada Health Act, s.7, sets five criteria a plan must meet for the province to get the full federal cash contribution.
Do immigrants get free healthcare in Canada?
Yes, once enrolled. Provincial plans cover medically necessary doctor and hospital care at no direct cost, including emergency visits, tests ordered by a doctor and maternity care. IRCC says public insurance does not cover most medication from a pharmacy or most dental services, and coverage of ambulance, eye care and physiotherapy differs by province. Eligible refugees and claimants get the Interim Federal Health Program until provincial coverage starts. The coverage section above lists both sides.
How long do newcomers wait for health coverage in Canada?
It depends on the province. For people arriving from outside Canada, Ontario, Alberta (apply within 3 months), Manitoba (permanent residents) and Nova Scotia have no waiting period. British Columbia (the rest of the arrival month plus two months), Quebec (up to 3 months from registration, none for children under 18) and Saskatchewan (up to the first day of the third month after arrival) have waits. New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and the territories set their own start dates: confirm with the plan.
Do newcomers need private health insurance in Canada?
IRCC says to make sure you have private health insurance during any waiting period. Care you receive before your provincial card is active can be billed to you, and one emergency can cost a great deal. Common points to compare are emergency medical coverage, prescription, dental and vision coverage, and pre-existing condition exclusions. RAMQ strongly recommends that Quebec arrivals take out private insurance as soon as they arrive.
Do I need a health card to see a doctor in Canada?
Usually, to get covered services at no direct cost. IRCC says public insurance covers emergency services even without a health card, with some restrictions depending on immigration status, and a walk-in clinic may charge someone who does not live in that province. During a waiting period, private insurance or paying out of pocket is the alternative. The section on applying for your health card lists the documents to bring.
Are work and study permit holders covered by provincial health insurance?
It depends on the province. Ontario covers work permit holders working full-time for an Ontario employer for at least 6 months. Study permit holders are not on its list. Manitoba covers work permits of 12 consecutive months or more, and study permit holders have not been eligible since September 1, 2018. Nova Scotia covers work permits of 12 months or more, and study permits valid 12 months or more from the first day of the 13th month. Students can ask their school about health insurance. Check with your province's plan.
How do I find a family doctor as a newcomer?
Some provinces run a patient registry: Health Care Connect in Ontario finds you a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team that is accepting new patients, using your Ontario health card number. Walk-in clinics see people for non-urgent care while you wait. Settlement agencies give needs assessments and referrals. Our Free Settlement Services in Canada guide explains what settlement agencies offer.
Can newcomers get help with dental care in Canada?
Sometimes, once they have filed a Canadian tax return. Public health insurance does not cover most dental services. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan is for Canadian residents for tax purposes with adjusted family net income under $90,000 and no access to private dental insurance. It requires a filed return from you and any spouse or common-law partner. Our Taxes for New Immigrants guide explains your first Canadian tax filing.
Official sources
This page is based on law and policy published by the Government of Canada.